DIY Cleaning Tips For Exterior Windows

It’s a chore no homeowner likes to do, but it’s a critical one nevertheless. Washing exterior windows is important for multiple reasons, including allowing adequate sunlight into your home, giving you better outdoor views, and keeping the windows themselves in good shape.

You may not know it, but dirt and grime can do quite a bit of damage to window panes when left uncleaned over time. Besides, no one likes looking at a dirty house. Clean windows can instantly improve curb appeal (whether or not you’re looking to sell) and ensure you get the most out of your most important investment.

If you’re willing to tackle the task of cleaning your windows without hiring a professional, you’ll need to know how the experts do what they do. Take your DIY skills to the next level so you can slash your cleaning times and make your exterior windows shine like the day they were installed.

Cleaning Your Windows Like a Pro-Grade Contractor

Please note that most companies recommend that you clean your windows twice per year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall. Of course, if this is the first time your windows have been cleaned in a long time, you’ll want to spend a few extra minutes per window making sure you don’t miss a spot.

Remember, year-round maintenance is much easier than tackling a DIY job that hasn’t been done in 5 or 10 (or more) years!

For most people, there is a fair bit of confusion and misunderstanding about the best technique to use for cleaning windows. If you’re one to grab the bottle of Windex, a roll of paper towels, and scrub with as much force as you can, you’re doing it wrong.

The experts know and swear by the “clean smarter, not harder” philosophy for a reason. How else would they be able to complete multiple residential and commercial jobs in a day?

Instead of rubbing in circles, which only serves to spread the dirt around, a trusty squeegee is your best friend. And as far as the cleaning solution goes, one of the best combos you can use is a dab of dish soap and a bucket of warm water.

Wipe your windows in the contractor-approved, reverse S-pattern to get maximum results, remembering to clean the squeegee blade after each stroke. Use a microfiber or chamois cloth to wipe up remaining water spots, and finish by drying the windowsill.

There you have it, folks. The crash course in cleaning your exterior windows the same way the pros do!